PERIDOT
H
YBRIDS are foreign
to mineralogy, but there is no precious stone so difficult to
specifically determine as chrysolite, because of the confusion
regarding it in the minds of those engaged in the commerce of precious
stones.
Mineralogists
generalise the varieties of chrysolite under the common term "
olivine." To 'American jewellers it is perhaps most commonly known as
peridot. With the usual indifference to mineralogical distinctions of
the average jeweller, it is possible that more green garnets than
chrysolite are sold under the name olivine. W. R. Cattelle, in his
book, Precious Stones writes:
The
distinction between varieties is practically one of colour only. For
many years lapidaries were in the habit of calling the chrysoheryl "
Oriental chrysolite," and in consequence the two stones have been
confused, though the chrysolite is much the softer stone and usually
shows marked differences in colour and lustre.
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